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Wonderland Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.9 (35)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …Southwest Washington
  4. …Mount Rainier National Park
  5. Longmire
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“Circle Mount Rainier's middle slopes on this incredibly strenuous, long-distance hike. ”

Tom Robson
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Map Key

88.3

Miles

142.1

KM

Loop

6,774' 2,065 m

High

2,447' 746 m

Low

24,023' 7,322 m

Up

24,032' 7,325 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

84%

Max Grade (40°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

The Wonderland Trail encircles Mount Rainier in its entirety. It is a strenuous hike with lots of elevation gain/loss, generally taking 8-12 days to complete. Many portions are accessible by road and can be done as day hikes. The trail truly is wonderful; it passes through most of Rainier's major environmental communities, from deep lowland forests to subalpine meadows full of wildflowers, and features all the changing faces of the mountain--each carved by one of its 25 distinct named glaciers.

Hikers can find both company and solitude along the way. Although thousands hike the Wonderland Trail each summer, many stretches of the trail still provide the chance to be alone. Prior awareness of trail and weather conditions, wilderness regulations and general experience with the park will enhance a trip along the Wonderland.

Need to Know

A permit is required year-round for all overnight stays in the backcountry, and some special regulations apply to the Wonderland Trail corridor. Hikers doing the complete Wonderland Trail are limited to camping in designated camps only - the use of cross-country zones is not permitted. A climbing permit is required for travel above 10,000 feet or on glaciers. Permits must be obtained in person at a wilderness information center or visitor center. Advance reservations are available for peak season (June-September) on Recreation.gov, and an early-access lottery is one option for securing a permit in advance. Learn about the permit system on Mount Rainier National Park's wilderness permits page.

Description

To begin planning a backpacking trip or a day hike on the Wonderland Trail, start by researching the trailheads, campsites, and connecting trails along the loop to determine your most reasonable itinerary. Consider the elevation profile of your route and your fitness level, because accurately predicting how far you can hike daily is critical for making a successful trip. Plan your itinerary with campsites spaced appropriately for your pace. Research the national park's wilderness permit system, and plan as far ahead as you can because permits are competitive. Be prepared to be flexible if the permits dictate a different itinerary.

Weather is a constantly changing factor. While summer is often dry and sunny, oceanic influences can also bring moisture as rain or snow at higher elevations. Pack for a range of weather and temperature conditions, and as always be prepared for emergencies. Other necessities include bear-proof food storage and appropriate backcountry navigation/communication tools.

Flora & Fauna

An elevation range of approximately 13,000 feet creates a variety of habitats and life zones in Mount Rainier that remain protected. You'll likely see different plants and animals in each ecological community. This diversity provides for a broad assortment of invertebrates, mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

The highly visible Columbian black-tailed deer, Douglas squirrels, noisy Stellar's jays, and common ravens are animals that many people remember. The most diverse and abundant animals in the park, however, are the invertebrates -insects, worms, crustaceans, and spiders, to name just a few- that populate all the environmental communities to the top of Columbia Crest itself.

Though the park is world-renowned for its elaborate wildflower displays, the nonflowering vegetation of Mount Rainier National Park is also remarkably diverse. Climate and elevation range greatly in the park, creating a wide variety of habitats supporting an extensive number of plant species.

History & Background

This trail is a distinguishing feature of Mount Rainier National Park. It was completed in 1915 when the "Wonderland" was an attraction used to promote park visitation. Later, rangers used the trail as a patrol beat. Original ranger cabins are still in use. The oldest cabin, dating back to 1915, presides at Indian Henry's Hunting Ground. In 1981 the trail was designated as a U.S. National Recreation Trail.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Mount Rainier National Park

Shared By:

Tom Robson with improvements by Tilman Giese and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 35 votes

#1

in Longmire

#283

Overall
  4.9 from 35 votes
5 Star
89%
4 Star
9%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Longmire

#24

in Washington

#283

Overall
39 Views Last Month
13,898 Since Feb 26, 2015
Difficult Difficult
3%
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3%
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66%
21%
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Photos

Reflection Lake
Feb 26, 2015 near Eatonville, WA
The view of Rainier from Relfection Lakes.
Dec 8, 2015 near Eatonville, WA
Wildflowers with Mt. Rainier backdrop
Feb 26, 2015 near Eatonville, WA
Classic Reflection Lakes view.
Jun 27, 2016 near Eatonville, WA
Stunning reflection on the very still Mowich Lake as the sun rises alongside the Wonderland Trail.
Aug 16, 2016 near Buckley, WA
Carbon River Suspension Bridge – Wonderland Trail to Carbon Camp (from the north) is closed due to a trail washout (July 2017).
Jul 7, 2017 near Buckley, WA

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Check-Ins

Sep 2, 2024
Anonymous
Oct 1, 2023
Sungyeal Kim
Jun 14, 2023
Atsuko Ohtake
Jun 13, 2023
Atsuko Ohtake
Jun 12, 2023
Atsuko Ohtake
Jun 4, 2023
Randy Turner
Nov 29, 2022
Elzabeth Mensing
Very pretty in winter. Made it to crater falls 2.5mi
Sep 14, 2022
Elias Mueggler

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